Need some advice on different .45's

[Carter]

So I'm getting in to reloading and am now able to afford to shoot a .45acp (darn ammo costs). Until now I had limited myself to a 9mm.

After much consideration I've narrowed down my list to 5 choices.

1. Springfield SS mil-spec 1911 $630ish
2. Cougar 8045 Not really sure on the price
3. FNP 45 $600ish
4. German Sig p220 from the 90's $595
5. glock 21 with night sights $588

I want a good/great trigger (probably asking too much), accuracy, and reliability. This would mainly be for a range gun, but occasional cold weather carry (don't have a problem concealing fullsize auto's).

I don't really have any experience with police trade in's or imported handguns like the Sig (http://www.summitgunbroker.com/220_Nickle.html), so any advice would be appreciated.
The Springfield I've seen reviews of it firing properly after taking a swamp bath.
The FNP 45 and Cougar have always appealed to me but I don't know about their trigger.
The glock 21 is the more practical choice, but I hate glock triggers, and am unsure about their .45 models.


Which one would you pick, or more helpful, stay away from?
Thanks for your comments and help.

 

[PO2Hammer]

No experience with the Cougar or FNP.
1911's will more often than not have a 'break in period' where reliability is iffy. Some will remain iffy and require a good gunsmith's attention.
The Glock 21 will be reliable, but the Glock trigger is one of the most difficult to master for target work. Mine was a bit finiky when it came to finding accurate ammo.
I voted for the Sig because I think it will have the best chance of being 100% reliable, mechanically accurate, and they have great triggers. Very easy to shoot well with a Sig. My new-to-me P220 SSS (stainless frame and slide) is a very easy to shoot well, and it loves my standard handload (200 grain plated SWC). My Glock 21would not shoot that load well.
Another winner that can be found used for under $600 is the HK USP .45.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Your requirements are very reasonable. I think they fit the Sig 220 perfectly. Mine has an excellent trigger and is very accurate...I carried it as a duty weapon for many years

I will often recommend the Mil-Spec as a beginner 1911, but I seldom recommend a 1911 as a first .45, because they do require a bit of understanding to keep running.

the 220s in the picture are definitely the older model with the "sharp" hammers and I would expect them to be finished in electroless nickle. I've had good luck with LE trade-in Sigs in the pass and consider them a good value

 

[Carter]

Your requirements are very reasonable. I think they fit the Sig 220 perfectly. Mine has an excellent trigger and is very accurate...I carried it as a duty weapon for many years

I will often recommend the Mil-Spec as a beginner 1911, but I seldom recommend a 1911 as a first .45, because they do require a bit of understanding to keep running.

the 220s in the picture are definitely the older model with the "sharp" hammers and I would expect them to be finished in electroless nickle. I've had good luck with LE trade-in Sigs in the pass and consider them a good value

Thanks for the info. I'm generally vary wary of used guns. Scared to get a lemon, but I really like what a sig offers, just don't have the funds for a brand new one.

I've had a little experience with a RIA 1911, cleaned it once or twice, but nothing detailed like disassembling the frame. Its something that I wouldn't have too much of a problem with, but it is an added complication.


I also wondered if lessening the trigger pull on the glock would help with its long take up (I've practiced the trigger reset for it, but whenever I'm doing fast shooting I always forget about it) affecting accuracy.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

I gotta say, your first .45 has got to be a 1911. Whether it is the MilSpec or something else.

I've shot my HK USP Tac 45 and my SIG P220SAO, my dad's Ruger P90 .45, and I own a Glock 20, which is the same frame as the G21 just chambered in 10mm Auto instead of .45 ACP. My most pleasant experiences with the .45 have always been with the narrow assortment of 1911s I've shot. My brother has a MilSpec that he has customized a little and it is a sweet little shooter. And of course, history just oozes from a Remington Rand 1911 manufactured before my grandpa was born. I say get a 1911 for sure!

 

[PO2Hammer]

Thanks for the info. I'm generally vary wary of used guns. Scared to get a lemon, but I really like what a sig offers, just don't have the funds for a brand new one.

In my experience, Sigs and HKs are safe bets as used guns.

 

[amprecon]

Once you figure out the quirky trigger of the FNP-45 you will find that it is a very accurate pistol. It is one pistol that doesn't get the recognition I believe it deserves.
I wouldn't trade my Glock 21 for one though, when I pick it up it's like it infuses itself into my hand and is an extension of it. Perfection for me, accurate, reliable, tough as nails and won't corrode.

 

[LiveLife]

Carter, with the price of reloading components falling, I am able to reload 50 rounds of 200 gr lead 45ACP for less than $6 now. I tell you, I am a happy camper shooting 45ACP back again.

As to your OP, have you considered CZ 97B? schmeky and Walkalong got me interested now. $632 at Bud's?

 

[Carter]

Carter, with the price of reloading components falling, I am able to reload 50 rounds of 200 gr lead 45ACP for less than $6 now. I tell you, I am a happy camper shooting 45ACP back again.

As to your OP, have you considered CZ 97B? schmeky and Walkalong got me interested now. $632 at Bud's?

I've glanced at them every now and then online. How's the trigger pull and reset on them?

 

[LiveLife]

There's one in the sales counter at the range and I have been intentionallly avoiding handling one.

Maybe schmeky or Walkalong will drop by and comment - I'll send them PMs.

 

[Walkalong]

Absolutely love my new to me CZ97B.

It shoots like a dream. The competition hammer is a big upgrade IMHO. Recoil seems a bit less than the same weight 1911. It is seriously accurate. An instant "favorite" with me. It is simply awesome.

bds. If you don't want to buy it, don't shoot one, you'll be hooked.

As to the original options, I am a big 1911 fan, don't care for Glocks or Sigs, and have no experience with the others.

 

[TomADC]

Does it have to have night sights?

 

[SuperNaut]

Honestly all the choices you have are good ones, including Walkalong's C97B addition. The thing that sticks out to me is that two are poly-framed, and due to personal preferences I'd pull those from the list. That leaves four really great all-metal guns; two that I already own and love (Springer and Beretta) and two more that I will own someday (CZ and Sig). I'd break those down into trigger types:

1911 = SA
The Rest = DA/SA

The best potential trigger is always going to be SA. But of the three DA/SA's, the Beretta has the best stock trigger of the bunch - Hands down IMO.

So I'd break it down to a choice between the Springer and the Beretta, so now the question becomes do you want SA or DA/SA?

 

[Marshall]

If you want a 1911, the answer is simple.

If you want DA/SA, I personally, would go with the FNP in matte stainless, or the Cougar. The Cougar can be had for around $550.00, give or take. But it's all in personal preference. Touch them, feel them, etc. (I just like buying brand new guns, or if used, guns I can hand pick, touch, feel, inspect, etc.)

If you're looking for a striker fired gun, then go Glock. Or, Springfield.

 

[9mmepiphany]

There's no sense making this too easy. Here are my 2 CPO 220STs (stainless steel frames) that I got for $600/ea ...I think they are up to $650



Here's one 220ST I added aluminum grips to, alongside my old duty 220 with rubber

 

[schmeky]

Luckily there are many choices. The CZ-97 is a good choice if your hand size is medium or larger. Another great choice in 45 is the Witness Standard 45 or Elite Match.

If you are recoil sensitive (I am) the all steel CZ is actually no heavier than a forged frame 1911, but the hand filling grip disperses and absorbs recoil very effectively. This is one of the reasons many shooters that try it like it. Plus it holds 10 rounds compared to 8 for the 1911 and 220.

Plus the 97's out of the box accuracy beats the Sig 220 (I've had 2 Sig 220's) based on my experience. If you like uniqueness, the 97 is pretty cool and quite handsome to boot.

 

[HisSoldier]

My first firearm was a Colt all steel Commander, in 1972. A fine first gun, except it makes all other guns look bad.
I now have 6 1911's and 40-50 other steel autos of all kinds. My favorites are still 1911's.

 

[wvshooter]

For a range gun Ruger's P90 would rank high IMO. Very reliable, accurate and the price is right.

I just started reloading 45 and will be buying my first 45 in the next few months. Carry is important to me so I'm thinking maybe Ruger's P345.

 

[wojownik]

I voted for the Sig p220. It'll likely give you the trigger you want, great accuracy, and reliability. It would be my choice of those listed for both range and carry.

Runner up would be the Springfield 1911 mil spec.

 

[labhound]

I have the Stoeger Cougar 8045. Excellent quality pistol, accurate and soft shooting, all for around $450!

 

[Jed Carter]

I would get a 1911, not the one you listed, just do not like the sights. STI Spartan great entry level 1911, much better sights, STIs work right from the start. I would get a 1911 first then the G21 for your carry pistol.

 

[DasFriek]

Get the 1911, Its like a AR platform where it can be a mans Barbie doll and you can dress it any way you want.
It will also teach you on how to adjust and work on guns and learn just how most guns work.
Or you can leave it alone and shoot the crap out of it.
To me a 1911 isn't only a gun its an adventure.
Nothing ive ever shot comes close to a finely tuned 1911 trigger wise, Nor with getting back on target.
Its also easily the best full sized ccw you can carry for easy concealment.

Have an issue with a gun? Send it back to the manufacturer, With a 1911 you come here and get advice in the gunsmith section or here and fix it yourself that day or 2-3 days when the new part comes in from Brownells.

Yeh, Id take the 1911.

 

[ForumSurfer]

The glock 21 is the more practical choice, but I hate glock triggers, and am unsure about their .45 models.

I thought the same thing. I figured I'd get one and get used to it. Then I figured a 3 1/2 pound trigger and transfer bar would make it better. I still hate the trigger. It just is what it is.

For the range I'd stick with a 1911 and a bunch of wilson combat mags. But that's me. I love shooting a 1911 and it points naturally, feels better and is just more of a joy for me to shoot. But that's just my preference, not fact.

I'm one of the few fans of the fn, also. I actually like the trigger and the way it feels in hand.

For range use, stick to plain black sights. They just work better. Avoid night sights unless it's a carry gun and you'll be more pleased with your plinking.

 

[bartman06]

I voted for the Glock 21. Ive owned one and miss it but i love my M&P 45 now.
Just remember that in the end this is your gun.
Good luck.

 

[Carter]

One thing I liked about the glock is I can make it in to an awesome range toy. 30 round Kriss mags, 3.5 trigger pull, any number of barrels, SS slide (if I so choose), flash hider, the list is almost endless. I don't really see any of that stuff as practical application, but its something fun to play with if funds permit.
I was hesistant to add the glock, now I feel like I'm talking myself in to it...geez.

I really want night sights. Since I would be using it as a cold weather carry gun the chance of needing them goes up. Qualifying with standard sights at night sucks, especially at 25 yards on a combat course and the only light I had was a flash light.


Here's an idea. You guys send me money to buy them all. That way I'll be able to make an accurate assessment. Sound good?